You’ve probably heard the warning: Only 20% of jobs are advertised.But numbers can be deceiving. Throughout my own winding road career path, I’ve found most of my jobs by answering ads. And I’ve taught my own clients how to use ads effectively during their job search.
Every career plan calls for more than one strategy. Networking, connecting with recruiters and visiting your university placement office all play a part. But that’s no reason to neglect want ads.
(1) Choose your want ads.
Professional publications will be more helpful than Craigslist and your city’s daily newspapers. Even if you’re networking or working with a recruiter, you can use your professional publication to discover what’s out there and what leading firms are seeking.
(2) Protect yourself when answering blind ads.
If you’re currently employed, I recommend steering away from blind ads. I’ve actually met a few people who responded to blind ads from their own employers.
And if you’re self-employed, protect yourself against unethical recruiters who want to send your resume to every employer in town. Add a paragraph along the lines of:
“If you are a recruiter, please send my resume only to the employer associated with the position advertised in [publication and date]. Call me before sending my resume elsewhere.”
(3) Apply for positions even if you are only partially qualified.
One rule of thumb: If you’re missing one or two “must haves” listed in the ad, go ahead and apply. Otherwise wait.
But I would say, “If you really need or want a job, stop counting!”
A few careers ago, I answered an ad for a job for which I was vastly overqualified. The hiring manager pulled my resume and suddenly I was being interviewed for a higher level position.
When you’re missing a few “must haves,” a strong “yes” in one area can sometimes overcome a few “no’s.”
(4) Answer ads for distant locations based on the publication.
You’re considering a move to Great City, You look in business publications and local newspapers and sure enough, you see jobs! Set up a time a visit and include in your cover letter: “I’ll be in Great City from – to — . “
BUT if you’re answering an ad from a national publication, use your current address and don’t discuss your plans to move. You may be benefit from the Not Invented Here syndrome (i.e., whatever’s outside is better.)
Companies that advertise in the Wall Street Journal or an industry publication (such as the Chronicle of Higher Education) have chosen to reach a national and international market. Most of the time they’ve budgeted for relocation and don’t care where you’re living.
(5) Recognize you’re shooting dice.
Often companies have no idea what they want. Sometimes hiring managers get an “aha” moment after they see a candidate: “I didn’t realize I needed X but…”
The wording of an ad may be dictated by custom. Sometimes an ad is nothing more than a wish list. Sometimes an ad doesn’t mean the company has a real job. Companies may want to see who’s out there. The hiring manager already chose the boss’s nephew but they’re forced to run an ad (and maybe even interview candidates) to comply with legal and corporate regulations.
What’s your experience with want ads? Reply in the Comments section below.
Hi Cathy,
I’m so glad you addressed this issue. I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say. Conventional wisdom says that you can’t land a good job through ads. But I’ve probably found about half of my jobs by answering ads–and they weren’t all entry-level jobs, either. Also, when I was in the position to hire people, I usually placed an ad. I found it was the easiest and most efficient way to find a large pool of viable applicants. Trying to get referrals from colleagues and friends of friends never seemed to work out very well.
Lately, I haven’t had as much luck with ads. Nonetheless, I’ve always gotten a much higher response rate from ads than through networking. Some people are really good at networking, I suppose, but it doesn’t work for everyone. I always suggest that job seekers try answering ads. However, no will listen because most people have had it drummed into their heads that networking is the only way to go. I used to be a member of a job search group. Everyone else in the group thought I was wasting my time by answering ads. Ironically, I was getting more interviews than they were. Now, turning those interviews into actual job offers is another story. But, in my opinion, it’s better to go on actual interviews than to attend endless, and often fruitless, networking meetings.
I also like your idea about using your current address when answering national ads. You’re right… if a company is advertising in a national publication, they don’t care where you live. I never would have thought of that! And, as you say, you’re “shooting dice” when answering an ad. But that’s probably true with networking, too.
Great article… one of my favorites, in fact!
“B”
“B,” thanks for the comment! Like you I got most of my jobs through ads when I was looking, and it’s still a good way to go for many people. I’d agree that it’s better to get interviews than to have nothing happen. You never know which interview will be the turning point.
Hi again,
We always hear that the vast majority of jobs are never advertised–the percentages I’ve seen range from 50% to a whopping 95% of all job openings! These estimates just seem way too high to me. I know that many people do find jobs through networking. I’m not disputing that. However, to jump to the conclusion that these positions were never advertised is faulty logic. After all, people often use their network contacts to get their foot in the company door for an advertised opening.
Personally, I find it very odd to think that there are tens of thousands of unfilled jobs out there, yet companies are not publicizing these openings. What do you think, Cathy? How real is the “hidden job market” in your opinion? And what exactly is meant by “hidden”? If someone finds a job through a head hunter or recruiter, would the so-called experts call that a “hidden” opening?
“B,” It’s not really odd when you think about it. When a company publicizes an opening, thousands of people will respond. That’s a lot of work!
So companies try to fill vacancies internally or by word of mouth. And yes, a headhunter (a/k/a recruiter) would be considered part of the hidden job market.
These days companies often are required to advertise to comply with EEOC requirements.
Thanks for the comment!